My 2 yen
Err Tailwheel,
Since Merc's were made in China they have gone from the most dependable , reliable automobile ever made to one of the worst in about 10 years. Maybe the fault of the bean counters? But I know if I was on the production line in downtown Bejiing getting paid 1/100 of the german guys, my heart might not be in it.
Also heard a rumor that the repair job on the Qantas 747 that did some nose ploughing a while ago , was so bad , it had to be redone in Aus.
MC